Thomas Larry Monday

Thomas L. Monday, 82, of Coyle, Oklahoma passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born on August 25, 1944, in Granite, Oklahoma, to Gene and Helen Monday. Tom attended Granite Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade and graduated from Granite High School in 1962. He went on to attend Oklahoma State University from 1962 to 1966, where he majored in Accounting. After college, Tom moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he met the love of his life, Vera Lee. They married in 1968 and shared 55 wonderful years together. It was during those early years in Fort Smith that Tom learned the craft of framing houses—a skill that would become such an important part of his life. Tom eventually returned to Southwest Oklahoma to raise his family and eventually moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma to live close to his daughter and family. He spent over 40 years building homes. He was a true old-school craftsman who took great pride in his work. Tom didn’t simply build houses; he built homes for people, putting his skill, care, and pride into every project. He loved what he did and was exceptionally good at it. But Tom’s greatest pride was always his family. Tom was truly one of a kind. He was an amazing father and grandfather who loved his family deeply. His family was his pride and joy, and the love he had for them was evident in everything he did. His daughter, Tommie Lee, remembers her dad often saying, “We get up and have a good day all day long.” Those simple words captured so much of who Tom was. He didn’t just say them—he lived them. He approached life with a steady spirit and encouraged those around him to do the same. Tom was also a believer who had a deep love for his Heavenly Father. His faith was an important part of his life, and he enjoyed studying the Bible and growing in his understanding of God’s Word. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Helen Monday; his sister, LaVoise Monday; and his beloved wife of 56 years, Vera Lee Monday. He is survived by his daughter, Tommie Lee Lester and her husband, JJ Lester; granddaughter, Halle J. Matthews and her husband, Dane Matthews of Oklahoma City; grandson, Jevyn Lester, serving at Fort Benning, Georgia; sister, Barbara Monday; and sister-in-law, Pat Fisher of Van Buren, Arkansas, along with extended family and friends who will miss him dearly. Tom leaves behind much more than the homes he built. He leaves behind a family who was the greatest joy of his life, the lessons he taught through the way he lived, and countless memories of a truly one-of-a-kind man. His family will carry his words with them: “We get up and have a good day all day long.” And they will.

At this time, there will be no formal service. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

The family is deeply grateful for the love, kindness, prayers, and heartfelt well wishes extended to them during this difficult time. Your support and comforting thoughts mean more than words can express.